Lancashire honours its young scientists

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has brought together some of Lancashire’s brightest young physicists to celebrate the county’s burgeoning scientific talent.

The Lancashire Schools’ Physicist of the Year Awards, sponsored by the Ogden Trust, invites schools from around the region to select their highest achieving Year 12 pupils to be recognised at an award ceremony at UCLan.

Recipients of the award are handed a book token and a certificate from the Ogden Trust but more importantly are given access to physics related work experience with the world’s top scientists including a visit to CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland.

“The Lancashire Schools’ Physicist of the Year Awards recognises aspiring scientists from the region and provides them with the chance to meet and work with successful researchers both in the UK and in Europe."

UCLan lecturer Dr Joanne Bibby, from the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute for Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy, is a member of the Ogden Trust which promotes the teaching and learning of physics.

She said: “The Lancashire Schools’ Physicist of the Year Awards recognises aspiring scientists from the region and provides them with the chance to meet and work with successful researchers both in the UK and in Europe. It’s a fantastic opportunity for these A-Level pupils who are only at the beginning of their scientific careers.”

“As Ogden Trust alumni they will be able to access a wide range of benefits including undergraduate scholarships and travel grants for those undertaking independent travel such as voluntary work, studying abroad and research trips."

Barbara Grundy from the Odgen Trust presented the students with their awards. She said: “As Ogden Trust alumni they will be able to access a wide range of benefits including undergraduate scholarships and travel grants for those undertaking independent travel such as voluntary work, studying abroad and research trips.

In addition sixth formers can attend the Physics Symposium at the University of Cambridge, networking events and a range of other workshops to enhance their life skills. Also, during their university vacations, they will be eligible to gain valuable experience by obtaining an Ogden internship in commercial and charity sectors.”

Twenty three pupils from thirteen schools across the county were celebrated at the annual Lancashire Schools’ Physicist of the Year Awards.